Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

It is all very well to say we have to remain vigilant. I am not sure that the Department of Social and Family Affairs is being vigilant. The recent report produced by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General showed that there is a fraud rate of 14%, in relation to child benefit, in respect of non-resident children. Some €137 million is spent each year on child benefit and early child care supplement payments in respect of non-resident children. The fraud rate of 14% in such cases is significant. What action has the Department of Social and Family Affairs taken since the Comptroller and Auditor General's report was made available? How many checks of the kind mentioned by the Minister have been carried out since that report was published? As regards sanctions where payments are suspended, how many have been suspended?

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